tracked leading pair, led on bit between last two, soon clear, very easy
with leader until mistake 5th and lost 2 places, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
in rear and struggling when pulled up before 6th
led, ridden and headed between last two, one pace and lost 2nd last
tracked leaders, effort 2 out, kept on one pace, went 2nd at last, no chance with winner
always in rear, mistakes, weakened before 3 out
It's difficult to see past RENARD D'IRLANDE in this contest. Venetia Williams' charge ran out an easy winner over a longer trip at this track last month to open his account over hurdles. Today's drop back in distance is no problem and he can defy a penalty to follow up. Behindcloseddoors produced his best effort yet when runner-up at Wincanton in January and could be the one to chase the selection home. Rushwee has been badly out of form since winning at Wetherby, while Aboukir makes his debut over timber after a lay-off though could prove a better option than either Spiritual Guidance or Dark Dancer.
Renard D'irlande (FR) 7-4 (11-3) Close up on inside, went 2nd travelling well 3 out, led on long run to last, soon clear, very easily, won at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Get Ready To Go (11-3) by 7l, 11 ran.
Rushwee (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out, 6th of 9, 40l behind Beau Lake (11-0) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Aboukir 16-1 (9-3) Always in rear, well behind final 2f, tailed off and eased, 10th of 11, 35l behind Squad (9-2) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Aug '09 (flat).
Behindcloseddoors (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last stride, 2nd of 18, nk behind Furrows (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Spiritual Guidance (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, hit 5th and reminders, weakened approaching 2 out, 7th of 14, 21l behind Buckie Boy (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Dark Dancer 20-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, hampered after 1f, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced, no impression, 5th of 9, 23l behind Pepe Simo (11-0) at Kempton 2m n h flat (4) std in Dec.